6 Ways To Boost Employee Morale Without Going To Happy Hour

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Social relationships play a key role in helping maintain a healthy lifestyle—mentally and physically. And since at least 40 hours a week are typically spent at work, there’s ample opportunity for you to help boost employee morale and help your people connect on a more personal level. But socializing with coworkers while making healthy choices isn’t always easy, especially since happy hours tend to be the go-to activity.

According to a CareerBuilder survey, 1 in 5 people were attending happy hours, and 82% of people who attended were there to bond with co-workers. But what if your employees are trying to stick to a healthy routine that doesn’t involve downing beers and bar food right after work?

Check out these booze-free ways employees can spend time with their colleagues—while still keeping the “happy” in happy hour.

Find their inner artists. Help employees channel their creative side by signing them up for an art class. Not only is a painting class a creative way to bond with co-workers, but it can also be an effective way for them to manage stress. According to a 2016 study, 45 minutes of creative activity can significantly reduce stress in the body, regardless of artistic experience or talent.

Give everyone a spatula. Organize a cooking class for your employees at a local kitchen supply or gourmet grocery, and if you’d like, make a fun competition out of it. Two teams can duke it out for the best dish, and managers can be the judges. Simply search for local cooking classes in your area that specialize in corporate events, and get ready for some delicious fun!

Get their group sweat on. A team workout session is the perfect way for your employees to bond with each other and sneak in some exercise at the same time. Have them put their sweatworking skills to good use while burning calories at an indoor cycling class, bootcamp session, or even a group jog. Ask employees what their favorite workout classes are and see if they will help you plan a fun group outing.

Explore the town together. Want to boost cooperation and group problem-solving skills? Plan a scavenger hunt! This entertaining activity allows colleagues to compete outside of the conference room, and can also help them reach their daily step goal. Organize one with a local service that leads hunts in your area, or follow an app or website, such as Big City Hunt.

Just take a walk: Nothing beats getting some fresh air. Help employees take a breather from their computer screen and catch up with their peers by organizing a group stroll during the workday. Make sure to keep the conversation light—non-work related topics are encouraged.

Empower the teacher: If a team member has a personal hobby or talent, like knitting or juggling, encourage them to share their interest with their peers. You can set up some time for the expert to give their tutorial and coach their peers through mastering the skill themselves.

This article is not intended to substitute for informed medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or condition. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, altering your sleep habits, taking supplements, or starting a new fitness routine.

Fitbit and @UHC are now offering Charge 3 to participants in #UHCMotion, an employer-sponsored wearable walking program. We’re proud to be part of this program, helping users meet their #health goals since 2017. See what’s next for Motion participants: https://t.co/z4KhDzr73l